Reflections by award-winning maritime historian Joan Druett, author of many books about the sea

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Sunday, January 12, 2014

tugboat TIAKI

Wellington's tugboata

CentrePort Wellington, New Zealand’s third largest port, future proofed its business with the commission of Tapuhi ("nurse") – its state-of-the-art tug boat to replace older and lower powered tugs.
The investment forms part of CentrePort’s plans to become one of New Zealand’s most advanced big-ship capable ports.

The new, powerful, fuel efficient tug, capable of pulling 68 tonnes, partners CentrePort’s modern tug Tiaki ("guard"), to ensure the region can continue to welcome record numbers of cargo and cruise vessels.

Tapuhi arrived in April, just in time to commemorate the wreck of the ferry Wahine (April 11, 1968) -- a disaster that might not have happened if such a powerful tugboat had been on hand at the time.